Remembering Kevin Keegan: Part Three

Remembering Kevin Keegan: Part Three

From It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast by The Overlap

September 8, 2026 · 1h 1m · Season 1 · Episode 171

About this episode

The episode concludes a three-part series on Kevin Keegan, exploring his managerial career and legacy.

Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper conclude their three-part series on Kevin Keegan by tracing his managerial career and the idealism behind his “why not?” philosophy. They cover his post-playing retreat in Marbella, a 1991 roadside attack that sparked unfounded rumours, and his surprise return to rescue near-bankrupt Newcastle in 1992 despite having barely watched football. Keegan’s early chaos, promotion to the Premier League, and “entertainers” era are explored, including the Andy Cole sale and his famous address to angry fans. The episode revisits the 1995–96 title collapse, his exit amid Newcastle’s flotation plans, spells at Fulham and England, a steadier period at Manchester City, and a final, acrimonious Newcastle return under Mike Ashley, ending with reflections on his legacy and farewell tour. 00:00 Dreamers Welcome 01:39 Marbella Escape 02:49 Celebrity Golf Circuit 04:52 M25 Attack Rumors 08:10 Lightbulb Moment 09:34 Sir John Hall Calls 14:02 Return of the King 17:03 Unprepared New Boss 20:29 Great Escape Finale 22:13 Promotion Blueprint 24:53 Entertainers Era 26:32 Newcastle Goldfish Bowl 28:41 Keegan in the City 30:22 Keegan Tea Reception 32:14 Andy Cole Fallout 33:24…

People in this episode

Host: Jonathan Wilson

Guest: Rob Draper

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Newcastle, Fulham, England, Manchester City, Mike Ashley

Places: Marbella

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